The LTA has enhanced its drive to innovate across all aspects of tennis in the UK with confirmation of a three-year partnership with Framework Sports & Marketing Ltd – the exclusive UK distributor of the Slinger Bag.

Slinger Bag is a revolutionary, portable tennis ball launcher built into a standard trolley bag for tennis players of all abilities. Slinger Bag is easily transported and wheeled to the court, is highly versatile providing storage space for tennis rackets, shoes and accessories and is affordable at less than half the price of traditional ball machines. As part of the agreement, the national governing body for tennis in Great Britain will receive 20 bags for use across Performance and Coaching teams. The deal also includes discounts for LTA Members and an affiliate scheme for LTA accredited coaches who recommend the product.

Slinger Bag enables tennis players to get out on court to play at any time without the need to find a playing partner – whether that be at their club, local park, or in any other available open space.

Slinger Bag is currently available in 40 countries on every continent across the globe, and first became involved with British tennis as a sponsor of the Schroders Battle of the Brits tournament at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre in June 2020.

The news follows LTA announcements of other commercial deals last year including a four-year partnership with online car-selling platform cinch as title sponsors of the Queen’s Club Championships, and a long-term agreement with AMC, the brand created by Andy Murray and Castore, which became its Official Performance Apparel Partner this year.

What they said

Chris Pollard, LTA Head of Strategy & Innovation, said: “Slinger Bag is a unique piece of equipment that can be used and enjoyed by people across the tennis community; from elite professionals to grassroots coaches to families just getting started in the game. Innovation is a key part of the LTA’s vision to open up tennis to more people, and this partnership will play an important role as we work towards achieving that. Our insight shows that 21% of people cite not having a partner as a reason for not playing tennis, and Slinger Bag is a solution to this problem – providing a way into the game for people without the need for someone on the other side of the net. This agreement also allows our Performance team to continue their programme of using cutting edge technology to support elite British players both at home and while on tour.”

Jon Ballardie, Managing Director of Framework Sports & Marketing Ltd said: “This partnership lays the foundations to grow the game at all levels across the UK with the latest consumer technology and we’re excited to be at the forefront in realising this goal. We’re looking forward to working with the LTA and its member base to help continue the work that breaks down the barriers to playing the game and maximizing player’s enjoyment on court.”

Mike Ballardie, Chief Executive Officer of Slinger Bag said: “Slinger Bag is delighted to become the latest in an impressive list of LTA Commercial Partners and we look forward to supporting the LTA’s wider efforts to grow the game of tennis in the UK by making Slinger Bag a must have piece of tennis equipment for LTA members – players of all ages and abilities, LTA affiliated coaches across the UK and LTA affiliated clubs. For the first time ever in tennis, Slinger Bag allows you to get out and play tennis 24/7. Slinger is your perfect practice partner.”